Broad is a thorn in Australia’s side

AFP, MANCHESTER, England

“If I’d had surgery, I’d have been out for nine months. [It was] a big decision,” Pietersen said. “I think I’ll be in rehab for the rest of my career, unfortunately.”

Pietersen’s latest knock meant he had overtaken Graham Gooch, now the team’s batting coach, as England’s all-time leading run scorer in all forms of international cricket with 13,242 runs compared with the Essex great’s 13,190.

His 23rd century also moved him into second place on an England all-time list led by current skipper Alastair Cook with 25.